February is the shortest month of the year, but it often feels like the longest because of the cold weather and short days. And thanks to the Leap Year, February 2016 has an extra day to really rub it in. We’ve made a great list of fun events to help keep you busy until March; from outdoor sports to indoor festivals, February really CAN be fun!
Here are our top picks for kid-friendly events this February in Toronto and the GTA.
For even more happenings in the GTA, see our Events directory, updated daily.
Toronto for Kids: February Part One
Skating, Skiing, Tobogganing, and Snowshoeing:
This year, the snow comes and goes, but now the cold seems to be here to stay (for at least the next two months). Take advantage of all winter has to offer with some fun outdoor activities. Check out our Toronto Tobogganing Hills Guide or find out Where To Go Cross-Country Skiing (or Snowshoeing) in the GTA.
Scenic Caves Nordic Centre has guided nighttime snowshoe hikes on February 6, 13, 14, 16 and the Markham Museum has Family Snowshoeing on February 13.
For more options and to find out where to take lessons, try our Ski and Snowboarding Resorts in Toronto directory.
There are also plenty of outdoor skating rinks and if you’re looking for outdoor skating rinks with pleasure skating hours in Toronto, the city actually has a fairly comprehensive list. They also have all the arenas and indoor rinks listed, and you need to check each one to see if they have leisure skating hours. There are also some great skating parties happening around the city, like the CF Shops at Don Mills, which has a Friday Night DJ Skate. Check out our Events Listings for more.
There are also great instructional programs in Toronto, offered at many rinks for all ages and skill levels. Kids and adults can learn to skate, figure skate, and increase their hockey skills on-site at some of the locations. Or check out our listing of Kids Skating Lessons in Toronto directory.
Day Trips and Indoor Activities:
If outdoor fun isn’t for you, there are plenty of ways to pass the time indoors.
Having trouble motivating the kids to get up and move? Try these tips on How to Keep Kids Active in Cold-Weather Months or these 9 Tips To Motivate Inactive Kids to Exercise.
To get out of the house, keep busy and have some fun, try going on one of these 9 Indoor Day Trips for Winter or try one of these Family Activities for Indoor Winter Days.
Plays, Musicals, and Concerts:
Romeo and Juliet at the State Theatre Ballet February 5
The Ugly Duckthing at Solar Stage Children’s Theatre February 6
Science at the Symphony by Toronto Symphony Orchestra February 6
Thumbelina by Little Red Theatre February 7
Outreach Concert Toronto Children’s Chorus Chorale Choir and Youth Choir February 7
Kidstock Musical Fundraiser February 7
One Thing Leads to Another at Young People’s Theatre February 8–21
Mistatim at Young People’s Theatre February 9–19
Three Little Pigs by Cakes and Puppets Theatre February 12–13
Munsch Mash at Solar Stage Children’s Theatre Opens February 13
Superdude and Doctor Rude at The Second City February 13–15
Shrek the Musical at Meadowvale Theatre February 19–28
The Cat in the Hat at Richmond Hill Centre February 24
The Next Step Wild Rhythm Tour dances from the hit series February 26
Poles Apart Concert by the Training Choirs and Boys’ Choir February 27
Goodnight Moon at Young People’s Theatre Opens February 29
Family Sundays at the AGO
Each Sunday, the Art Gallery of Ontario has a special event. The February theme is Floor Burger Food Fun, where kids and parents can participate in activities inspired by Claes Oldenburg and pop art, such as creating your own “pizza” and “cookies” art creations. Every Sunday
La Poutine Week
Over 20 restaurants in Toronto will participate in La Poutine Week by making their own unique version of this very Canadian dish. It’s your chance to try as many poutines as possible and vote for the best one. February 1–7
Operation Kidsafe Safety Event
Learn some safety tips and build a family action plan at the Operation Kidsafe Safety Event in Mississauga. Everyone is welcome. February 4–6
Black History Month – NFB Children’s Short Films
Drop-in to the Brentwood Library to celebrate Black History Month with Children’s Short Films from the National Film Board of Canada. February 4
Kuumba Festival
Celebrate Black History Month at the Harbourfront Centre’s Kuumba Festival. There will be music, discussion, comedy, dance, and family activities for everyone. February 5–7
Totsapalooza Festival
Bring all your little book-lovers to the 8th annual Totsapalooza Festival. There will be indie bands, authors, and DIY crafts for kids ages 2–8. Get your read on! February 6
Mardi Gras Music at St. Andrew’s
At the Mardi Gras Music at St. Andrew’s event, parents enjoy an evening of swing spiritual and gospel favourites while the kids are busy at the free dance party. Afterwards, eat some delicious New Orleans’ food and enter to win prizes. February 6
Our Health and Wellness Expo 2016
Join in for interactive workshops and demonstrations, and learn more about local health and wellness at the Our Health and Wellness Expo 2016. February 7
Mosaic Storytelling Festival 2016
Tales from Around the World, part of Mosaic Storytelling Festival 2016, is an afternoon of storytelling and folktales from England, Scotland and Ireland. February 7
Lunar New Year
Chinese New Year (or Lunar New Year) falls on February 8 this year of the monkey. There are many different celebrations in the GTA on various dates. Check out our comprehensive Lunar New Year Guide or our online listing of events!
Ontario Science Centre
In February, the OSC bring you a new exhibition called Mammoths and Mastodons: Titans of the Ice Age. Learn all about the history of mammoths and mastodons through interactive displays and by viewing fossils and life-size replicas. You can also find out how scientists and researchers used technology to study these ancient creatures, from evolution to extinction, they’ve got it all covered! Opens February 10
Family Day and Valentine’s Day Weekend:
Kids Fest Toronto
Mississauga’s own Kids Fest Toronto has interactive games, activities, crafts and more than thirty themed inflatables ready for all-day sliding, bouncing and jumping. February 13–15
Family Fun Fest
Downsview Park is being transformed into an indoor amusement park for Family Fun Fest, with rides, carnival games, food, live performances, and more. February 13–15
Kidapalooza Family Festival
Markham’s indoor family festival, Kidapalooza, has tons of great activities and events for families, including play zones, crafts, interactive inflatables, sports and exercise, a performance stage, sing-a-longs, dance parties, and more than 30 vendors. February 13–15
Connecting With Wildlife Conservation
Another great event at the Toronto Zoo. Kids and parents are invited to learn more about wildlife conservation at the Connecting With Wildlife Conservation event. February 13–15
Piñatas for Pandas
On holidays and special occasions, the pandas at the Toronto Zoo are given a special treat: a piñata! Come down to the zoo for Piñatas for Pandas and watch as Da Mao the panda gets his favourite treats in an unusual and creative way. Valentine’s Day, February 14
Purina Pawsway’s Valentine Event
Purina Pawsway’s Valentine Event is a great way to show your pets how much you care. There are family-friendly activities and programs for pets. Valentine’s Day, February 14
Family Sunday at The Beach
The festivities will take place at the Beach Village, Kew Gardens and Ivan Forrest Gardens for the 9th annual Family Sunday at The Beach. Bring the whole family for lots of fun activities, including interactive ice games, fire performers, bouncy castles, firefighters, and stilt walkers. Valentine’s Day, February 14
Guided Night Snowshoe Hike
Scenic Caves Nordic Centre has a Guided Night Snowshoe Hike for families. Experience the beauty of a nighttime winter landscape and breathtaking views of the Niagara Escarpment. It isn’t a Valentine’s Day specific event, but it’s a nice way to get some fresh air and exercise. If you’re feeling extra brave, you can also try their non-guided Night Cross-Country Skiing. Valentine’s Day, February 14
Family Day at Purina PawsWay
Grab your pet and come spend the day at Purina PawsWay to enjoy some great entertainment, face-painting, clowns, giveaways, and more! Family Day, February 15
Winter Stations Opening Ceremony
Head down to Toronto Beaches lakefront for the opening ceremony of the art installation exhibit Winter Stations. Celebrate the winter landscape for a change – the artwork will be on display until March 19. Family Day, February 15
Family Day 2016 at Willowgrove
Head to beautiful Willowgrove for 100-acres of outdoor (and some indoor) fun at Family Day 2016 at Willowgrove. Activities include curling, wagon rides, barn animals, snowshoeing, crazy carpets, crafts, food and more. Family Day, February 15
Hockey Hall of Fame
On Family Day, kids are FREE at the Hockey Hall of Fame. Up to four kids can enjoy all the hockey games, artifacts, statues, and even the Stanley Cup for free with the purchase of one regular adult ticket. Family Day, February 15
Boards and (Lovable) Brats
Spend Family Day testing your knowledge and skills at Boards and (Lovable) Brats. Play board games and have fun with the whole family. Family Day, February 15
Family Snow Day, Eh!
Enjoy a 5k cross-country snowshoeing adventure and help raise money for the Canadian Cancer Society. Family Snow Day, Eh! has activities and food for anyone who can’t make the trek. Family Day, February 15
Winterfest
Enjoy an entire day of winter fun at Markham Museum’s Winterfest this Family Day. Participate in some snowy activities, listen to some music and enjoy some great food. Family Day, February 15
HarbourKIDS: Snowglobe Festival
Head down to the Harbourfront on Family Day for some skating and snowglobe-related fun at the HarbourKIDS: Snowglobe Festival. Family Day, February 15
Family Day Activities at Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre
The Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre opens its doors to offer a jam-packed roster of fun-filled activities for Family Day. Activities include yoga, storytelling, jungle gym, princess performance, fitness classes, volleyball, and food demo. Everyone is welcome. Family Day, February 15
Toronto for Kids: February Part Two
ROM Sleepover
A night at the museum anyone? Experience ROM behind-the-scenes with your backstage pass to artifacts, exhibits and specimens. Join the PJ Karaoke Party and sleep next to the dinosaurs at the ROM Sleepover. February 19
Bloor-Yorkville Icefest
Bloor-Yorkville is fundraising for the Heart and Stroke Foundation at the Bloor-Yorkville Icefest. Check out the ice sculpting carvers live in action, enjoy some yummy treats, and enter a contest to win big. February 20–21
Mosaic Storytelling Festival 2016
Tales from Around the World, part of Mosaic Storytelling Festival 2016, is an afternoon of storytelling, music and folktales from Africa. February 21
Polar Bear Fest
On International Polar Bear Day, stop by the Toronto Zoo for Polar Bear Fest to show your support and learn more about the threatened species through educational activities and crafts. February 27
3rd Move Your Paws for the Polar Bear Cause
Spend an entire day celebrating polar bears at the 3rd annual Move Your Paws for the Polar Bear Cause. Bring the entire family for a fundraising event of fun and fitness. Join the 1k or 5k run for the cause; all proceeds go towards polar bear conservation. February 27
Parent’s Night Out
Looking to laugh? Why not enjoy a night of fundraising and comedy at the 2nd annual fundraising event at the Young People’s Theatre: Laugh at the Funny Side of Parenting. February 3
Listen to expert speakers discuss online safety and participate in the conversation about how to keep kids safe at the Keeping Our Kids Safe Online: KCS Encouraging Dialogue 2016 event. Also, learn about the resources available to you and your family. February 9
Spend your evening on Valentine’s Day doing something unique. Head to the Toronto Zoo to learn about the mysteries of birth and parenthood in the animal kingdom. The First Comes Love evening includes a romantic dinner, a tour of the reproductive labs, and an animal encounter. Valentine’s Day, February 14
Come to the Sony Centre for An Evening with Neil Degrasse Tyson. You might know him as the host of StarTalk Radio and Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey. He holds 18 honorary doctorates and was awarded the NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal. Definitely worth hiring a babysitter for this night out! February 24–25
*Also, don’t forget Winterlicious is on until February 11, so take advantage and enjoy some great food at great prices!
Find more Toronto events for kids, updated daily.
READ MORE LIKE THIS:
- Family Activities for Indoor Winter Days
- 9 Indoor Day Trips for Winter
- 12 Valentine’s Day Recipes the Whole Family Will Love
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